Spinal Implant Alignment for Restoring Motion and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for spinal disorders, such as spinal fusion and spinal disc/facet joint replacement, often fail to restore spinal alignment and range of motion, leading to increased pain, abnormal kinematics, and accelerated degeneration of adjacent spinal levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for restoring spinal alignment and range of motion through preoperative and intraoperative protocols, including data collection, imaging, and surgical techniques to implant spinal implants, which stabilize and restore normal kinematics while minimizing implant migration and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spinal fusion methods are used to stabilize the spine, then spinal stability is improved, but spinal mobility and natural alignment are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spine is divided into modular segments with individual implants placed at each affected level. Each implant independently stabilizes a specific motion segment while preserving mobility at adjacent levels, allowing selective stabilization without complete spinal fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinal implant system incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled motion within the implant structure. The implant maintains stability while permitting physiological movement patterns, restoring natural spinal kinematics rather than completely restricting motion.
2Ease of operation
If spinal disc/facet joint replacement devices are used to restore mobility, then spinal mobility is improved, but abnormal kinematics and hypermobility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The implant design incorporates adjustable parameters including height, angle, and position that can be customized during surgery to match each patient's specific anatomy and movement patterns. This customization ensures proper kinematic control while maintaining natural mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant replaces degenerated disc and facet joint structures with a mechanically optimized system that provides controlled motion. The implant's internal mechanics substitute for failed biological structures, providing reliable kinematic control while preserving physiological movement.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional implant placement methods are used, then surgical procedure is simpler, but implant alignment and spinal balance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Detailed preoperative planning including imaging, measurement, and virtual surgical simulation is performed before the actual surgery. This preliminary action allows precise determination of implant position, angle, and size, ensuring optimal alignment during the surgical procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Specialized surgical instruments and positioning devices serve as intermediaries between the surgeon and the implant placement. These tools provide precise control over implant orientation and position, translating surgical intent into accurate implant alignment while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for restoring spinal alignment and/or maximizing range of motion for patients who suffer from spinal degenerative disorders.